As stated above common sense, knowledge of the local law, and asking permission reduces the chances for problems.
Trespassing charges, charges of theft, and someone itching for a fight or that does not believe their trash stinks would be my biggest fears. Although many states have laws similar to "stand your ground" few individuals would shoot outside their own home and only in self defense. "Stand your ground" originated in English Common Law before the right to bear arms was removed.
The U.S. Supreme Court passed judgement that garbage at the curb is public domain. The ruling gave law enforcement the right to search through trash without a warrant and also allowed it to be used in court. Ruling that it was public domain also gave individuals the right to help themselves with the location of the trash being the deciding factor.
https://www.hvshred.com/2010/07/cour...public-domain/
With efforts to recycle, many communities passed laws that restricted access to local public employees. This did two things, protected their profits from recycling and still allowed police to access the trash. This avoided conflict with the Supreme Court ruling. I wonder what the communities would do if the FBI went through someone's trash.
https://www.straightdope.com/columns...ns-my-garbage/
To be on the safe side I always ask except for community clean up days. The trash man even point me in the right direction because it reduces their work load. The bottom line is, I do not think going through trash would be high on my priority list, if I traveled to Europe.
Originally Posted by Patriot76
As stated above common sense, knowledge of the local law, and asking permission reduces the chances for problems.
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